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New Jersey Medicaid: 2026 Income Limits and Moving In or Out

Moving TO New Jersey

NJ FamilyCare (New Jersey's Medicaid program) does not accept transferred cases from other states: every new New Jersey resident applies fresh through New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services. There is no waiting period tied to how recently you arrived — eligibility is decided on New Jersey's own income and household rules from the day you become a resident.

Leaving New Jersey

Leaving New Jersey ends your NJ FamilyCare (New Jersey's Medicaid program) case — no state will take it over. Close the case with New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services effective your move month, then apply in your destination state immediately after arriving.

Official agency: New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services ↗ (application page)

New Jersey Medicaid at a glance

Program nameNJ FamilyCare
ACA Medicaid expansionYes — adults covered on income
Adult income limit138% of the federal poverty level
ProcessingFederal 45-day standard (90 days for disability determinations); no NJ-specific timeline verified

New Jersey Medicaid income limits for adults (2026)

New Jersey expanded Medicaid under the ACA, so adults with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level can qualify without fitting a category such as disability or pregnancy. Federal law (Public Law 119-21) adds a work condition for most of these adults from January 1, 2027 (earlier in some states, and later only in a state granted an extension, which cannot run past 2028): they must show 80 hours a month of work, school, job training, or community service, unless they are exempt (for example, parents of a child 13 or under, pregnant people, and people with a disability). New applicants may have to show it for 1 to 3 consecutive months immediately preceding the month they apply.

Household sizeMonthly income limitYearly income limit
1 person$1,836$22,025
2 people$2,489$29,864
3 people$3,142$37,702
4 people$3,795$45,540
5 people$4,449$53,379
6 people$5,102$61,217
7 people$5,755$69,056
8 people$6,408$76,894
Each additional person+$654+$7,839

Federal source: HHS 2026 Poverty Guidelines (91 FR 1797) (published 2026-01-15)

How to apply for Medicaid in New Jersey

Apply with New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services online at njfamilycare.dhs.state.nj.us, which runs the program as NJ FamilyCare. Go to the official application page ↗

Processing time: Federal 45-day standard (90 days for disability determinations); no NJ-specific timeline verified.

Moving with more than one benefit? The relocation checklist orders every step for your move.

Common questions

What is the Medicaid income limit in New Jersey for 2026?

For adults, 138% of the federal poverty level: about $1,836 a month for one person and $3,795 a month for a family of four in 2026. Children, pregnant people, and people 65+ or with a disability have separate limits.

Can I keep New Jersey Medicaid if I move to another state?

No. Medicaid covers residents only, so New Jersey coverage ends once you live elsewhere. Report the move to New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services and apply in your new state right away; eligibility there is decided on that state's own rules.

How do I apply for Medicaid in New Jersey?

Apply with New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services online at njfamilycare.dhs.state.nj.us, which runs the program as NJ FamilyCare. Processing time: federal 45-day standard (90 days for disability determinations); no NJ-specific timeline verified.

Who runs Medicaid in New Jersey?

New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services, which runs the program as NJ FamilyCare. The official page and application link are cited below — always act through them.

Does New Jersey make new residents wait for Medicaid?

No state may impose a residency waiting period for Medicaid. You apply as soon as you live in New Jersey; eligibility is decided on New Jersey's own rules.

Where do I report that I'm leaving New Jersey?

Contact New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (official link below) to report the move and close your case effective your move month.

Every move involving New Jersey

Other benefits in New Jersey

Terms on this page: Federal poverty level (FPL) · Medicaid expansion · Retroactive Medicaid coverage

Official sources

Every fact above was checked against these official pages. Last verified .

Written by Benefits Transfer Editorial Team

Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor

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